Frequently Asked
Questions

What will my new room of cabinetry cost?
That depends on a lot of things such as size of room, wood finish, accessories and so forth. We can usually
provide a pretty accurate estimate after doing a conceptual design for you. That is free so you have nothing
to lose.
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If I purchase a conceptual design, what do I get for my money?
You will receive blueprints for a conceptual design based on the information you provide and information we
collect via a consultation. The blueprints will include floor plans and some elevations in 1/2" scale. These
designs are hand drawn and include all the expertise of our 10 years in the custom cabinetry industry.
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Can I have my kitchen built from a conceptual design?
If you purchase cabinets from us, we will do detailed field measurements of the space and create fully
dimensioned blueprints with all elevations. We will also engineer the cabinetry especially for your space. If
you purchase a conceptual design only, that design will have to be verified by a professional cabinetry
designer in your area if you chose to build it. This is because every cabinetry manufacturer uses slightly
different nomenclature in engineering their products. It is important to remember though, that the design is
the most important component in your project. A qualified cabinetry professional can utilize that design to
create your space exactly the way you want it.
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Can I buy cabinets from you also?
Yes. Call us for a consultation. Your location and our ability to physically perform field measurements for your
space will be a major determining factor. We currently sell cabinetry throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
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Will my design only be good for one brand of cabinetry?
We will consult with you to determine your needs and style. Our designs are geared toward fine custom
cabinetry, but they may also be used to help engineer any stock cabinet implementation.
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What about local building codes?
We have extensive knowledge of building codes. However, you will want to consult with your local
professional about specific codes.
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What is a lighting plan and why do I want it?
A lighting plan is exactly what it sounds like. It lays out the numbers, locations and types of lighting you'll
need for your space. You must take the lighting plan to your local lighting dealer to aid you in purchasing
the correct fixtures and to verify the layout. Your electrical contractor can also use the lighting plan to
install switches and fixtures.
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What is N.K.B.A.?
National Kitchen and Bath Association. The N.K.B.A. is the major industry governing body, which sets
standards for professional cabinetry design and installation. For more information visit http://www.nkba.org
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What is C.K.D./C.B.D.?
C.K.D. stands for "Certified Kitchen Designer". C.B.D. stands for "Certified Bath Designer". Certification for
kitchen and bath designers is governed by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (See above). To
become certified, a designer must have a minimum of 7 years in the industry, provide several references
from clients and colleagues attesting to the designer's competency, and pass very challenging academic
and design practicum examinations. To maintain certification, a designer must accumulate a certain number
of continuing education credits during each 2-year certification period.
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How do I find a contractor?
Depending on your location, we can suggest a qualified custom cabinetry installer. Friends may also know
of a qualified contractor. Most reputable contractors can be found in the Yellow Pages and will provide you
with references. You may also wish to visit the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at
http://www.nari.org/
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What is "custom" cabinetry?
Very simply, custom cabinetry is cabinetry that is built to your specifications, as opposed to fixed-dimension,
stock cabinets. Our manufacturers build every cabinet from scratch based on our design. If you can dream
it, we can design it and our manufacturers can build it.
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Do you do other rooms besides kitchens and baths?
Absolutely. We can do a design for any room in your home where you'd like to use fine custom cabinetry.
We can also do furniture pieces such as humidors, computer furniture, bookcases, entertainment centers,
hutches and sideboards.
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What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinetry?
Framed cabinetry consists of a 3-sided box and front frame made out of solid wood, where the drawer head
and the door either sit in the framed opening or on top of it. If the drawer/door sits on top of the frame,
the portion of the frame that is exposed is called the "reveal". Hinges are visible.

Frameless cabinetry is the same except the drawer head and door cover the entire opening. Hinges may or
may not be visible depending on the style you chose.
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How are your cabinets made?
We have a wide variety of price points to cover every budget. Most are solid core 3/4" plywood construction
boxes with solid maple drawers with dovetail joinery. Interiors are the same or melamine on particleboard,
depending on the manufacturer and model. We carry both framed and frameless cabinetry.
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How much are your services and what do they include?
Visit the Services page for a list of services and their costs. Of course, depending on your location, you
may want to purchase your cabinetry from us also.
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How do I get a quote?
Call us or use the Contact Us page to email us for a free consultation.
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What is the difference between a conceptual design and 1/2" w/ full elevations?
A conceptual design is done in either 1/4" or 1/2" scale, and serves as an interpretation of the design you
are after in regard to style, colors, options and layout. It does not provide all elevations, dimensions,
mechanical/lighting plan, construction plan or any engineering for a particular custom cabinet. If you
purchase cabinetry from us, we will produce fully engineered and dimensioned, 1/2" scale plans with full
elevations, construction plan, mechanical/lighting plan and installation instructions. You will receive 6 sets
of final prints for your use. These can be distributed to any of the tradespeople working on your project.
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How much can I expect to spend to put in new cabinetry?
As a general rule of thumb, the total project including all cabinets, design service, tops, tile, flooring and
installation should be around 10% of the state equalized value (SEV) of your home. Of course your mileage
may vary.
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How long does it take to get my cabinets?
Depending on the size of your space(s), special finish options and how busy the factory is at the time of
the order, your cabinets may be delivered in anywhere from 6 - 14 weeks. Remember, true custom cabinetry
is built from scratch and takes a while to build. We will help you and your contractor plan properly for the
delivery and installation.
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What kind of warranty can I expect with my cabinets?
Bremtown warrants its products for 5 years. Acorn warrants its products for 10 years. We guarantee
the fit of your cabinetry, if you purchase your design and cabinets from us. Contact us for details.
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Where do I buy everything else? i.e. flooring, countertops, tile, lighting, etc.
We assist our customers with selection of those items as part of our standard service. We work with
selected business partners to provide the very best options and service in these areas.
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Can I customize the interiors of the cabinets?
Absolutely. Cabinets may be fogged, fully finished in the case of glass doors, or be customized any number
of ways to accommodate your particular storage needs.
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Can I just get doors to update my current cabinets?
Yes you can. Depending on the cabinetry you have, you may be able to purchase doors to freshen, or in
some cases, change the appearance of your space. Call us for a consultation.
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Which is better solid wood, plywood w/ veneer or particleboard cabinets?
That depends. Each has advantages and drawbacks. It really depends on your application.

Solid wood - Uniform wood species throughout for appearance. However it is more unstable and is
susceptible to retention of moisture causing warping, checking and other problems. It is also very expensive.

Plywood - More stable because of laminated nature of the product. It provides good appearance
characteristics through the use of veneer, and is less expensive than solid wood, however it is more
expensive than particleboard.

Particleboard - More commonly used in semi-custom and mid-priced cabinetry. Very stable, inexpensive
and easy to manufacture. Particleboard tends to sublimate formaldehyde into the air. The use of
particleboard in cabinetry gives the impression of "cheapness" which is definitely not the case. Very
good cabinetry can be manufactured using particleboard.
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What is paint grade wood?
Paint grade wood is usually a tight-grained, hardwood that is very clear, meaning it has very few defects
or knots. This type of wood takes paint very well.
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What is glazing?
A glaze is a complimentary color to the base paint or stain, which is applied by hand over the base coat
and then wiped off to add interest to the finish. The glaze is semi-opaque to let the color of the base
coat through. Glazes are often used to add an "antiqued" look to the finished project.
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What is distressing?
Distressing takes many forms and uses many techniques. The idea behind distressing is to give new wood
an aged appearance. This is done with rub-thrus, sand-thrus, wormholes, dents, worn corners and the like.
Effective and believable distressing takes great skill. Our manufacturers are expert in this art.
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Say I want to remodel my kitchen or bath. How do I get started?
The place to start is to find a good designer. Call us for a free consultation and we can get you started
down the right path. Our number is on the Contact Us page.
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